Crossing the border with Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian.

Game 3: Detroit at Toronto pregame

B.J. Ryan is the Blue Jays’ closer. That much is not going to change right now. Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston isn’t sure how often he will use the stopper in consecutive games this season, though.

Gaston said he’ll try to avoid doing that as much as possible, handing some save chances to relievers Scott Downs and Brandon League. As for Ryan’s outing on Tuesday — he allowed a game-tying homer to blow a save in the ninth — Gaston doesn’t think it’s the type of thing that will hurt the closer’s confidence.

“I don’t think so,” Gaston said. “He’s been in the big leagues a long time and he’s been out there on that mound in wars all the time, so I’d be very surprised if that bugged him like that.”

Some other items: Michael Barrett will likely be behind the plate for Ricky Romero’s big league debut on Thursday afternoon. … Romero and Detroit’s Rick Porcello will both be making their debuts. It’s the first time in MLB history that two first-round picks are facing each other in their respective debuts. … Gaston said hitting coach Gene Tenace is working with right fielder Alex Rios on adopting a more balanced stance, getting off his back side during his swing. Gaston said this should help generate more power. … Gaston also decided to stick with the same starting nine in Game 3. Why not? 17 runs in the first two games is never a bad thing.

Well, that’s a little faster, only took 5 minutes to log on. Jb, I know it’s not your deal to fix this blog, but please let your buds at MLB know it sucks almost as bad as Vernon Wells batting 4th and hitting into a double paly again..

Now, let’s see how long it takes ths post to make it to the blog. It’s now 8.15.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.